This drastic surprise was the result of the internal struggle within the Yamen of the Zhili Political Secretary in the past two years. The politician who was interested in taking over the position of political envoy hoped to squeeze Zhang Bao down, at least not to make him add to his political achievements. However, with such a governor as Li Guangdi, he did not dare to go too far, lest he fold himself in it.

But if he relies on his ability, Zhang Bao is above him in terms of qualifications, popularity, political achievements and civil affairs ability, plus most of the current political envoys and subordinate officials in the yamen are good friends with Zhang Bao, so he has no way to start. happened to be in the year of the scientific examination, so he came up with such a method, on the grounds that Zhang Bao was a Manchurian, but he was a serious scholar, served as a scholar, and could win glory for the imperial court and the scholars of the Eight Banners, so that his backstage recommended Zhang Bao to serve as a provincial scholar. As long as it is not an official position in civil affairs, Zhang Bao will not be able to make meritorious contributions in this area within three years, and it will not arouse the association of others and shake his position.

In charge of education, schools, and examinations in a province, it has always been the imperial history or the six departments of the Shilang and Langzhong, who were born in Jinshi, and most of them are Han Chinese, and they are extremely noble positions. Although the rank is the same as the previous official position, it can be parallel to the governor and governor. Huguang, including Hunan and Hubei, is a big province, and it is not poor, and it is also a chief official, and it stands to reason that it is a poor beauty for Zhang Bao, and the problem is that he is best at agriculture and civil affairs, but he is not used at all.

After Shuning received the news, she took Tongying back to her parents' house to ask for clarification.

Zhang Bao and Tong had already returned to the Baron's Mansion at this time, just waiting for the family members who stayed in Baoding to transport the rest of the luggage back. I'm going to get ready to go south with a little more touching.

Shu Ning was a little surprised to know that the itinerary was so urgent, so Tong said: "Huguang is far away, we have to arrive before August to catch up and settle down before the hospital exam." Take the canal first, then turn to 6 in the middle of the canal, if you don't come out within five days. But it was too late. Shuning also understood this truth, so she had to accept it silently. However, she was more worried about whether her father would be hit by being transferred away at this time.

For being transferred from the position he is good at, what he has done before has become a marriage for others, but Zhang Bao doesn't care too much: "What's this? Although it was a little depressing at first, I thought about how good it would be that we had another chance to go out. Nowadays, there are constant turmoil in Beijing, and even Naoli is not quiet. It's better to go out and hide for a few years, and it would be better if you could continue to let it out. In the past few years, how can you live comfortably outside in Beijing and Zhili? It's good to learn politics. It's clear and expensive, and no one cares about me. Walking around in the office is like a sightseeing tour. ”

Shu Ning saw that her father was open-minded, and she was a little relieved, but she was only the official position in charge of the scientific examination. She always felt dangerous. Isn't it often played on TV? What kind of scientific research fraud. What kind of bribery examiner, if an official refuses, he will become a thorn in everyone's side. If something happens to the stream, not only will he be scolded to death, but he will also be sentenced to exile or death. Will Dad, who has such a soft temperament but a little uprightness, be harmed?

So she squeaked and asked, "What if...... If someone wants to write an article on a scientific expedition, such as using ...... Improper means such as ...... Will Amma suffer? ”

Zhang Bao's eyes widened: "Is anyone so bold?" Although I have heard of the fame of the land-based places in the past, the origin is a little unclear, but I am a provincial student and politician, I am not allowed, who dares to let me suffer? ”

Tong Ying smiled faintly beside him: "Don't worry too much. In June, the emperor appointed the new governor of Huguang, that is, Guo's father-in-law, you should have heard of it, right? He has always been incorruptible, and he is a person who can't tolerate half a grain of sand in his eyes. If anyone really dares to cheat on the scientific examination, just inform him, and he will deal with those people. ”

Shuning vaguely remembered that this person seemed to be doing the imperial history, and his temper was very upright, and he was in Huguang, so it seemed that his father was really not too dangerous, so he said happily: "This person seems to be good, maybe he can make friends with Amma." ”

Zhang Bao shook his head and said: "That's it, since he is not afraid of the powerful and upright, he is afraid that he will treat me as a powerful person." And he has made a lot of enemies in officialdom, so he will be exempt from being friends, as long as he does his duty, he will not embarrass me. ”

Shuning thought about it and didn't say anything more. At this time, Duan Ning interjected: "Speaking of which, Huguang is a good place, and it is adjacent to Sichuan and Guizhou, although the fourth uncle can't leave at will in Chengdu, but it is not a problem to communicate and send things." Uncle Zhou may also find a chance to meet...... I heard that Mr. Fei is from Changsha, and going with him this time can help a lot. ”

Zhenzhen also said beside him: "And it is adjacent to Guangdong, presumably it will not be too cold in winter, and Ama and Eniang will be able to suffer less cold this year." After a pause, she suddenly remembered something else: "It's just...... I've heard that the food there is spicy...... How do Ama and E-Niang get used to eating? ”

Tong smiled: "Silly boy, what are we afraid of with our own cook?" Could it be that there are even pots and pans spicy there? ”

So a few women talked about eating, dressing, housing, traveling, etc., and Shuning saw that her family didn't care much about this change, but talked about her life with relish, so she couldn't help but let go of all her worries and join the discussion.

When the discussion had preliminary results, when Zhenzhen and Xiao Liu left to ask someone to buy things for the road, Zhang Baocai smiled and said to the others: "I have been a jinshi for more than 20 years, and I never thought that there would be a chance to put on a school official shelf, so that hundreds and thousands of people can call me, and the teacher will make people's hearts happy when he thinks about it." ”

Shu Ning was amused when she heard this, Xian Ning leaned over and asked, "Amma, there are so many people who call you teacher, so aren't you better than Brother Xiaobao?" Zhang Bao nodded heavily: "Of course." If one of my students runs away from the government school and becomes a gentleman, then you will call me Master Zu in the future. ”

Shuning resisted the urge to roll her eyes, and called out "Amma" angrily, but was stopped by Tong Shi waving his hand: "He is very happy in his heart." The older you get, the younger you live, let's talk in the house. Ignore him. ”

Shuning paused, looked back at Tongying, and saw him smiling, looking at Xianning and Xiaobao around Zhang Bao laughing, occasionally the two younger brothers turned their heads to ask his opinion, and he also followed a few words, but he was in better spirits than when he was at home, so he turned his head and chatted with his mother in the room.

Duan Ning also smiled and watched his younger brothers mess around. I felt that it was over, so I scolded a few words lightly and knocked my head a few times. Seeing that Tongying had been sitting quietly on the side, knowing that he was in a bad mood, he said, "I heard that you have been a little depressed recently, and you are obsessed with the contents of the cup, is it true?" ”

Tong Ying smiled faintly: "It's just to drink it to relieve boredom, and it hasn't been excessive, don't worry." ”

Duan Ning shook his head and said, "The wine is even more sorrowful." No matter how much you drink, it's useless, but it breaks your body, which worries your family. I've heard a little bit about you. You can also guess what you are uncomfortable with, in fact, the result is already good for the deceased, and it is others who do bad things behind their backs. Why should you take things as if they were your fault? ”

Tong Ying smiled bitterly and didn't speak. Zhang Bao listened. casually beat the two children away, and also said to Tongying: "Duanning's words are good. I don't know much about you out there. But I know that you have always been a measured, calm and kind-hearted child, and you can't do this kind of thing. I don't want to ask what happened. Just remember that we're all on your side. For the time being, I can recuperate at home for some time, read, write, write, and practice riding and archery. When you feel uncomfortable, talk to Shu'er or your family more, don't keep it in your heart. ”

Duan Ning also said: "That's right, if you really want to drink, come to me, we have gathered less in the past two years, and I almost forgot that we were brothers at the beginning." ”

Tong Ying smiled: "Don't you still have an errand?" I must have been very busy when I first arrived at the Criminal Department, right? Duan Ning waved his hand and said: "I have no big case in the morning, and I may be busy at the end of the year, but now I am just free." ”

Tongying smiled again, thought about it, responded with a "yes", and made a gesture to Zhang Bao: "Thank you, father-in-law." ”

Shuning listened to the conversation outside in the room and smiled slightly. Tong whispered to her, "How are you doing lately?" If you have any grievances, just tell Eniang. Shuning smiled and said: "It doesn't matter, gossip is indispensable, but I can handle it." There are no three aunts and six women everywhere, as long as I stand firm, they can't help me. It's just ......" she paused: "It's just that the grievances suffered more in the palace are greater." Those Fujin and their younger brothers have no conscience. Tong Young was very sad for their gossip. ”

Tong snorted coldly: "These princes' families are already intrigued, how can there be any true feelings? /Ignore them as they are. I heard that Tongying has been drinking too much recently? It's not impossible to be in a bad mood and indulge, but there must always be a degree. You have to persuade some. ”

Shuning nodded and said, "Ama Eniang is going to travel far away, and I don't know when I will see you again, I will live back in my mother's house before you go out." "In ancient times, we could not see each other again until three years later. Although my parents only returned to Beijing every few months when they were in Baoding, it was very convenient to communicate and send things, which was incomparable with the separation of two places for three years. What's more, there is no postal communication in the Huguang area, and communication can only be sent to the nearest postal point from the two lakes through the postal route, and then the family will pick it up.

Tong Shi happily agreed, but was a little worried: "What about Tongying?" ”

"Let's live together." Shu Ning said: "Here, he will not drink too much if he takes care of the etiquette." It's good to change your mood. ”

So for the next few days, Shuning lived with Tongying at her parents' house and accompanied her parents. Zhang Bao and Tong's went to work this time, because they were reluctant to let the children go, and after discussion, they decided to take Xianning with them. Although Xianning is reluctant to go to his brothers and sisters, he is still very attractive to be able to go to a new place, so he spoils himself in front of his elders and brothers and sisters all day long, or pulls Xiaobao and Mingrui to say something, write letters, and write letters. Xiaobao was a little envious, but when he saw his mother, he didn't think much about it anymore.

On the morning of the fourth day, Zhang Bao and Tong took their youngest son and twenty or thirty family members to set off south to Huguang. Before leaving, the Tong family asked Xiao Liu to take care of Duanning and his wife, and Xiao Liu said: "Sister, don't worry, although the children are young, they are all smart and capable, and they don't need me to mention something, I just need to help on the side." You can go on the road with peace of mind and remember to send letters back often. ”

Tong nodded, and said a lot to his son, daughter-in-law, daughter-in-law, son-in-law, grandson and son-in-law. Zhang Bao said goodbye to his two brothers. Until the sun rises overhead. They are only officially on the road.

After sending off his parents, the little brother said goodbye to his mother's family, Shuning turned around and smiled at Tongying: "Let's go home, shall we?" Tong Ying looked at her and smiled faintly: "Okay." ”

Since then, Tongying has really drunk less, but Duanning has become more frequent at their house, and she has to drink with Tongying every time. Shuning always has to arrange snacks and sobering tea for them, and sometimes listens to them chatting from all over the world. Can't help but be amused by some of these words. It's just that when she sent her brother away and helped her husband back to the room to rest, she looked at the gloomy color between his eyebrows and was faintly sad.

Tongying rarely goes out, but Shuning can't do that. She still has to go to Prince Jian's mansion regularly to ask for peace, so that no one will attack Tongying for being unfilial. Sometimes, when Prince Jane or Jifujin came to the side, she had to accompany her "mother-in-law" and sister-in-law to certain banquets.

But she was no longer the new daughter-in-law who was helpless in the face of other people's malice, and she was dealing with those curious or mocking words. Basically, it can be done quietly. In fact, in the middle of the capital, most of the clan circles are people, and they know that the emperor doesn't want that ugly thing to continue to spread, so naturally they won't mention it publicly. Just take it as tacit. Therefore, Shuningdi's life is not sad. But there were always people who would mention it to her with some purpose.

For example, at a certain banquet, a female relative took the initiative to say to Shuning: "You were really wronged in that matter, our family is upset for Tongying's nephew." The prince did that to him. It's too much. If someone has anything gossiping about you. Just tell your aunt. Auntie makes the decision for you. ”

Shuning didn't dare to believe that this somewhat strange woman really had good intentions, and carefully recognized it, and vaguely remembered the New Year's Day. This lady seems to be very close to Da Fu Jin, and follows and talks to people all the way. She smiled in her heart and said, "Thank you aunt for your kindness...... The nephew and daughter-in-law didn't quite understand what the aunt said. Tongying was demoted because of dereliction of duty, and he is now reflecting at home. But what does this have to do with the prince? ”

The woman froze and suddenly smiled and patted her: "Oh, isn't that the thing?" Don't tell me you don't know. Shuning smiled: "My nephew and daughter-in-law really don't know, please tell my aunt." ”

The woman coughed lightly twice, looked left and right, and withdrew her hand. Shuning thought that the matter was over, but she heard another female relative next to her come over and smiled: "Actually, my aunt is also a good intention." Why should my siblings be so careful? We really want to help you. ”

Shuning smiled: "Thank you, thank you." But I never ask about men's affairs outside, and I just take care of the housework and take care of my father's body on weekdays. These court affairs are not what our aunt and sister-in-law should be in charge of, right? ”

The two ladies were very bored, and after a few casual words, they wanted to go back to their seats. Shuning breathed a sigh of relief slightly, but heard a familiar voice from the table: "What are you pretending?" Who doesn't know what's going on? Every day he talks about himself, how can a man spoil himself, but in fact, he is a better man, right? It's no wonder that I have to take a concubine. "But it's Nadanjo.

The surroundings suddenly fell silent, and everyone stared at Na Danzhu and Shuning for a few moments, but they pretended not to hear it very tacitly, and chatted again.

Shu Ning looked at me: Very good, I didn't want to worry about you, but since you're looking for death, don't blame me.

So she turned her head and smiled at Nadanzhu and said, "What did my brother and sister say?" You need to know that as the daughter-in-law of the Aixin Jueluo family, we should be cautious in our words and deeds, and be dignified, what to say, what to say, and what not to say, we must know in our hearts. Even if you are not talented, you must always remember to be cautious. You must not learn from the women of the village who speak obscenities but still don't know it. ”

Na Danzhu blushed with anger: "You say I'm a village woman in the market? Do you know who I am?! ”

Shu Ning still smiled and said: "My younger brother and sister, as a noble girl of Horqin, are different from ordinary ladies, so we should pay more attention to our words and deeds." I have heard that the Horqin girl is noble, honest, and frank, and that she is a good woman as precious as jewelry, and I ask my younger brothers and sisters to remember their hometown and not to live up to the glory of Horqin. ”

Na Danzhu was already so angry that she couldn't speak, Shu Ning smiled and glanced at everyone around her, slowly picked up the wine glass and drank it

Two days later, when she went to visit Susu and returned to Beizi Mansion, she was somewhat surprised to see several family members walking to the backyard with hammers, shovels and other objects. I found someone to ask, only to know that Tongying ordered to demolish the backyard, and the main hall was taken aback, and hurriedly asked what was going on.

Tong Ying said lightly: "Today, my little grandson came to me and said that some people outside said that our family was built according to the Beizi system, and now that we have been demoted, we should not live anymore." I didn't have time to find another house to move into, so I had to have the apse demolished. lest there be any more life. ”

Shu Ning said angrily: "This mansion was originally given by you for military merits, not by the emperor of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, why do you say such a thing?" Remembering what happened at the banquet two days ago, he said: "Is there someone who is angry with you for ruining their business, so you take the opportunity to take revenge?" ”

Tong Ying said: "It doesn't matter if it's okay." Anyway, it's just a place to store things, and it's not really useful. There is still an empty yard, and the things are removed and dismantled. ”

Shuning wanted to speak and stopped. After thinking about it, he sighed: "Okay, it's up to you." However, the house is going to break ground, and it is also noisy for us to live. Why don't you go outside? Let's just say that I went to inspect the industry. ”

Tong Ying hesitated for a moment and agreed.

After reporting to the Zongren Mansion, and then going to Prince Jian's Mansion to say hello to Shuning's mother's house, Shuning called a few people to report to a few Zhuangzi, and went out with Tongying.

There were only three wagons in their line. About a dozen people. It can be regarded as a light car. After coming out of the Desheng Gate. Tongying changed her mind and didn't want to go to Changping, so the group turned around the city wall and walked south. Slow down all the way. It's like a trip to the mountains and rivers. Kiri-young rode a horse, sometimes running away on her own before returning to the carriage. On the first night, I spent the night in Prince Jian's Mansion on the Zhuangzi of Wanpingdi.

They only walk twenty or thirty miles a day, and even their lunch is settled in the picnic place outside. The next day, Zhuangzi, who settled in the Liangxiang Baron's Mansion, arrived at the Fangshan Courtyard on the third day.

Changgui had already asked people to clean the courtyard where Shuning used to live, but Tongying missed the Pillow Xia Pavilion, so Shuning accompanied him to live there. At this time, it is autumn, the scenery in the garden is slightly withered, but the lotus has not been defeated, the osmanthus chrysanthemum is already open, smelling the fragrance of flowers, eating fresh fish and fresh lotus root produced in the pond and the small lake, occasionally both strolling in the field, and the life is very leisurely.

They even walked up the mountain to visit the major Buddhist temples, not only Shijing Mountain and Yunju Temple, but also the Holy Lotus Mountain and Miaofeng Mountain, and sometimes they stayed in the mountains, although it was colder, looking at the lush mountain scenery, the mood gradually became cheerful.

Tong Ying picked up the brush again, painted sketches for the flowers in the garden of the other courtyard, and sometimes painted landscapes. When Shuning saw the large piece of ink lotus in his pen, he suddenly remembered what Wang Yin had mentioned in the letter, so he discussed with Tongying and went to live in Jumahe Village for a few days.

The small village house in Juma River is just an ordinary three-entry yard. At the beginning, Shuning designed the front yard to be larger, and Wang Yin and his wife and a few small stewards lived here to handle daily affairs. The main courtyard is the backyard where Shuning and Tongying live, and it is the warehouse where the collected grain and farm tools are stored. As for the livestock shed, there was no Shu Ning, so she found a piece of land nearby and built a yard for all the tenants to raise livestock.

Not many people knew about them, so many tenants did not know who the young couple who talked to them every day on the edge of their fields was, and the children did not know where the kind brother who bought them rock candy gourds came from. Tongying lives in the countryside every day, talking with these simple people, and her mood gradually improves.

Tongying's lush color faded, and the paintings in her pen are getting better and better, and sometimes she will write some poems on a whim. Shuning pays close attention to what he writes.

When he first came, he inscribed "Qinyuan Spring" on a painting: "The three paths are beginning to become cranes and resentful apes, and the future is shocked." Shiyun Mountain is self-assured and business-oriented; The well-dressed man laughed at the dust. Tiredness must still be idle, how can it be a perch. On the autumn river, I watched the frightened geese and avoided the stormy waves. Donggang is more thatched and well, and the window is open near the water. If you want to fish in a small boat, you should first plant willows; Vegetable fences and bamboo do not hinder the view of plums. Autumn chrysanthemum can be eaten Chunlan can be left to be planted by Mr. Shen Yin was afraid for a long time that Jun En would not allow this intention to linger. (Note 1)

Shuning knew that he was still a little unwilling in his heart, although he was a little sad, he didn't say anything, just accompanied him around every day

Although the scenery of the lotus pond is not as good as in summer, it is also rare. The Juma River is beautiful, the couple rowed a boat on the water, reached out to feel the coldness of the river, and felt that it was very different from the lake water in their own garden in Beijing.

One day, Tongying wanted to swim the whole ten crossings on a whim, Shuning went to find someone to find a cruise ship to accompany him to play, and occasionally met the wild flowers on the grass on the shore on the way, and the two got off the boat and went to the shore to spend some time.

After more than a month, the weather gradually became colder, and Tongying had already begun to paint an early plum tree in the courtyard. When Shuning was packing up his paintings, he suddenly saw a word with the same inscription "Qinyuan Spring": "Lonely Pavilion Lamp, Qingye Store, Chicken No. Travel, Pillow Dream Remnant." Gradually, the moon blossoms are practiced, the morning frost is Geng, the clouds and the mountains are brocade, and the morning dew is shining. The world is endless, labor and livelihood are limited, like the mayor of this district. Groaning slightly, the saddle was speechless, and the past was thousand. At that time, the total guest Chang'an seemed to be a young man for the first time. There are thousands of words in the head of the pen, and there are thousands of volumes in the chest; To Jun Yaoshun, why is this matter difficult? Use the time to hide my sleeves, why not look at it idlely. Tall and healthy, but you are old and fighting before. (Note 2)

She was a little surprised in her heart, knowing that Tong Ying had already put it down, and looking at him concentrating on painting, her eyes couldn't help but blur.

Tong Ying finished drawing the last stroke, took a closer look and sighed: "It's cold, and the color ink can't be dissolved." Let's go back to Beijing tomorrow, it's been long enough. ”

Shuning answered softly and went out to ask someone to pack her luggage. Tong Ying looked at the picture she had just drawn and smiled faintly.

When he returned to the capital, he first went to Prince Jane's mansion to ask for peace. Prince Jian glanced at his son a few times and sighed: "It's good to come back, it just so happens that the will of the palace to marry the third child has come down, Xiaoding wants to set up wine that day, you can help greet the guests." ”

Shuning glanced at Tongying with some concern, but Tongying responded, and there was no reluctance in her expression.

When Shuning asked if it mattered, Tong Ying said, "You really think I'm made of glass?" I've been depressed long enough, and if I don't pull myself together, I'm going to look down on myself. Rest assured. ”

He smiled brightly, took Shuning's hand and walked forward.

(Note 1: Qinyuan Spring (with a new residence with a lake will be completed) Xin Qi's illness has the meaning of "although there is a heart to retire, but the ambition is not rewarded, the heart is unwilling". ）

(Note 2: Qin Yuanchun Su Shi said that he was determined to avoid the whirlpool of political struggle, and to live a leisurely life with a calm and unhurried attitude. ）